19 years old, given offers for middle office in the UK working at an IB. Where can I go after?

It’s my first post on here, so here goes.

I’m from the UK, 19 years old and have been given offers for a middle office derivatives analyst “apprentice” at a huge IB which lasts 20 months and then either a FT offer or not will be given.

These “apprenticeships” were introduced to people who didn’t fancy university, and are open to everyone (of course there are specific grade requirements you need to get into IB) but still hold excellent grades, go to the best schools etc.

Traditionally, there is obvs NO chance for a FO role without a degree from a decent target, so I’m wondering where can I go after a few years working with exotic derivative products? Career wise..

Thanks

6 Comments
 

At 19 years old i'd definitely do it. This would look great on paper when you finally decide to attend university but would also give you an oppy to learn a lot, time to develop, make some dough, and invest.

What concert costs 45 cents? 50 Cent feat. Nickelback.
 

Thanks for the reply man. The thing is whether I want to go to university or not, because I come from a non-finance background which wouldn’t enable me to get a place at a target uni..

I know if I want to progress to FO either way, it will have to be university. But sometimes I think I’m not suitable for it!?

 

Yeah I know, but as I come from a non-finance background which would stop me from getting into a target university, therefore it would surely be very hard to grab a FO role at a BB?

 

No, make sure you have top A levels, and outline what you expect from you university (learning, allowing you to get into X/Y jobs). You can study anything at a target, doesn't have to be finance related to get into finance. I don't see why a target would reject you just because your work wasn't financially related. A friend of mine is at a target studying maths, and did a year as a construction worker. Network as much as you can during your apprenticeship with FO bankers, banks will know that you will have experienced big corporate. I know a guy on a Big4 sponsorship that networked his way out of Audit for his placement year into the Corporate Finance team, you might be able to do so as well if you are very good/find the right guy will to get you into FO during your apprenticeship.

 

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